TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Deputy Head of PSSI Ratu Tisha stressed that the grass on four fields hosting the U-17 World Cup is on par with FIFA's standards and has gone through strict and routine inspection. These fields are located at the Jakarta International Stadium, Manahan Stadium in Solo, Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium in Surabaya, and Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung.

"If deemed inadequate, the world's highest football authority FIFA will prohibit the usage [of the field] to hold the tournament," she said to reporters on Sunday, responding to the commentary on the grass condition of the Jakarta International Stadium (JIS).

According to Ratu Tisha, the FIFA expert team conducted a gradual inspection 14 days before the cup until 3 days prior. The management of competing teams is also responsible for inspecting the fields before a match.

"Concerning the fields, we feel the need to state that our fields have been approved by all relevant parties. We even received appreciation from FIFA and the management of the competing teams," she said.

However, PSSI is committed to continuing to evaluate the fields to bring the best field quality and showcase Indonesia's ability to host world-class football events such as the U-17 World Cup 2023.

Previously, criticisms emerged from people watching the live stream of U-17 World Cup matches on Saturday.

Tisha explained that JIS has a unique type of grass which necessitated special equipment from Europe and Australia to provide the best placement of the grass. Indonesia also employed the roll method instead of the usual patch method to pace the grass.

Furthermore, Ratu Tisha hoped that all relevant parties focus on giving positive inputs so the world would see a unified Indonesia while hosting the U-17 World Cup.

"We as the organizer [of U-17 World Cup] will certainly keep on making improvements," Tisha concluded.

NURDIN SALEH

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